Upper Ferntree Gully was a farming area in its early days and formed the end of the electric train line from Melbourne. Holiday makers and day trippers would then make their way by various means of transport to holiday and day tripper locations in "the hills". Many Melburnians up to the 1930s also holidayed in cottages in Upper Ferntree Gully. Coonara House in Willow Road is the oldest building in Upper Ferntree Gully, ahead of The Royal Hotel. Coonara House was the farm house for the farm land that is now Kings Park reserve. Some historic buildings and sites have been lost over the years—including the original Primary School, the tearooms, the cycling velodrome, the Progress Hall and Kayser factory. The old bakery in Rose Street is home to the 1812 Amateur Theatre Group. The suburb of Upper Ferntree Gully is often referred to by residents simply as Upper Gully. Many years ago, Ferntree Gully was known as Lower Ferntree Gully—there was a Lower Gully and an Upper Gully. Upper Ferntree Gully has been part of the Shire of Fern Tree Gully, Shire of Sherbrooke, Shire of Yarra Ranges, but now most of it is in the City of Knox.
Natural features
Upper Ferntree Gully is home to Ferntree Gully Park, part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park) and Parks Victoria's Education Centre. The park boasts, in addition to the natural environment, the "1,000 steps". The 1,000 steps are commemorated to the Kokoda Trail. Kings Park is home to football, cricket, athletics and baseball. Gilmour Park is also the location of Melbourne Water's Retarding Basin and close to Sherbrooke Archery Club.
There are a number of sporting organisations based in Upper Ferntree Gully—Upper Ferntree Gully Kings Football Club competing in the Eastern Football League and the Cricket Club, Upwey Tecoma Junior Football Club, St John's Tecoma Cricket Club, Sherbrooke Little Athletic Centre, Upwey/Ferntree Gully Baseball Club, Kenlaural Dance Centre and the 1812 Amateur Theatre group.
Education
There is a government primary school which is located on Talaskia Road. There was a Prep – Year 6 community school.
The Angliss Hospital was established in 1939 and is located in Albert Street and Talaskia Road, Upper Ferntree Gully. Chandler House—Eastern Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service—is located nearby in Albert Street. There are also a number of medical consulting rooms in the vicinity of the hospital. Willowbrooke aged care facility is located in Willow Road, Upper Ferntree Gully. In terms of animal health, Upper Ferntree Gully also has a veterinary hospital.
Retail
There are limited retail outlets in Upper Ferntree Gully, generally located along the main thoroughfare. Ferntree Plaza is the largest retail centre in Upper Ferntree Gully. Dining facilities include the Royal Hotel, an Italian restaurant and an Indian restaurant. Upper Ferntree Gully also has a number of used car yards.
Transport
Upper Ferntree Gully has a railway station on Burwood Highway. There are train stabling facilities at Upper Ferntree Gully and a terminus for some services. The following bus routes also service the suburb:
688Croydon – Upper Ferntree Gully via Mt Dandenong, Olinda, Tremont . Operated by Ventura Bus Lines
693Belgrave – Oakleigh via Upwey RS, Upper Ferntree Gully RS, Ferntree Gully RS, Brandon Park SC . Operated by Ventura Bus Lines
732Box Hill – Upper Ferntree Gully via Vermont South, Knox City SC . Operated by Ventura Bus Lines.
Notable citizens
Shane Warne – cricketer born in Upper Ferntree Gully at the Angliss Hospital in 1969
Bradley Harman – professional major league baseballer who played baseball at Upper Ferntree Gully Baseball Club at Kings Park
Justin Huber – professional major league baseballer who played baseball at Upper Ferntree Gully Baseball Club
Michael Nakamura – professional major league baseballer who played baseball at Upper Ferntree Gully Baseball Club
Steve Irwin - Australian zookeeper, television personality, wildlife expert, environmentalist and conservationist
